Investigating the Level of Knowledge of Pediatricians and Pediatric Residents About Peer Bullying in Children

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge and approaches of pediatricians and pediatric residents, who have a key role in the recognition and prevention of peer bullying. Material and Methods: Pediatricians and pediatric residents working in Ankara provincial center were included in the study and their level of knowledge about peer bullying was evaluated. Results: It was found that nearly half of the pediatricians and pediatric residents (48.9%, n=152) observed peer bullying during their professional lives. However, their level of knowledge on this issue was found to be insufficient and only 15.8% (n=49) of the participants stated that they knew how to approach peer bullying. It was determined that 15.4% of the participants (n=48) knew the risk factors related to peer bullying and among those who knew, the number of pediatricians (n=30) were more than pediatric residents (n=18). In our study, it was observed that only 4.8% of the participants (n=15) received training on peer bullying. Conclusion: Families, teachers, school administrators and physicians have critical duties in relation to peer bullying, which is common all over the world and in our country. Among these groups, it is especially important for pediatricians to have sufficient knowledge and awareness by receiving trainings on the subject, to be able to detect the symptoms of peer bullying at an early stage and to effectively carry out the necessary interventions to reduce the number of bullying victims.